Another northern B.C. COVID-19 outbreak is producing devastating results.
As of yesterday (Jan. 18), Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins confirms there have been two additional deaths in the unit following the first fatality announced on Jan. 5, 2021.
The outbreak was declared on Dec. 29 after six cases were discovered involving two patients and four staff members.
"Northern Health care facilities have implemented very clear policies and procedures for COVID-19 infection prevention and control, to limit the risk of transmission to patients, staff and physicians at UHNBC," the authority said in a news release on Dec. 30.
Northern Health says there is no evidence of ongoing transmission within UHNBC #bcpoli #bced #cocidBC #cityofpg #covid19 #covid19bc @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/tqqkMBcZik
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) December 30, 2020
In the Jan. 5, 2021 update, there was a total of 21 cases in the unit with 10 patients and 11 staff testing positive, along with the first fatality.
"Northern Health public health recommends any recently-discharged clients self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and to seek testing if symptoms develop," a statement released the same day.
In the latest update last week on Jan. 13, it was announced there have now been a total of 31 positive cases which was broken down among 19 patients and 12 staff.
The first death involving the Internal Medicide Outbreak at UHNBC has also been recorded, a patient. The outbreak was originally declared on Dec. 29, 2020. To date, 10 patients and 11 staff have tested positive #bcpoli #covid19bc #covidBC #covid19 #cityofpg @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) January 5, 2021
Northern Health says there have been no new cases or deaths amid another outbreak at the Jubilee Lodge in Prince George.
The outbreak, declared on Dec. 12, 2020, spread rapidly and has involved 61 positive cases including 48 residents and 13 staff.
Sadly, 14 people have died at the long-term care facility.
Another outbreak declared at the Rehab Unit in UHNBC remains at three positive cases discovered with no deaths associated.
As of publication, there are 531 active COVID-19 cases in Northern Health with 40 in hospital, 16 of which are currently in ICU.
Since the pandemic struck the area last March, 52 have died in the region.
- with files from Hanna Petersen, PrinceGeorgeMatters
